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But the black and whites confounded the critics by staying up fairly comfortably, finishing in eighth spot.

Despite adding some quality signings this season, including ex-Wrexham and Shrewsbury defender Neil Ashton, many predicted Cefn were sure bets for a bottom-half place.

Cefn Druids in action against Connah's Quay (Image: UGC)

However, the team again defied all odds by securing their first-ever top six berth come the league split in January.

And Druids certainly did not just go through the motions in the second phase of the campaign, beating the likes of Connah's Quay Nomads, Bala Town and doing the double over Cardiff Metropolitan to claim a highest-ever fifth spot.

Now comes the prospect of a European experience if they get past Met on Sunday.

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Manager Griffiths admits he is still somewhat overwhelmed by the Ancients' achievements this term.

"It's still very difficult to take in," he said. "We were favourites to go down by everybody, and what this group of players have been able to achieve is nothing but remarkable. I'm proud to be their manager."

Asked what has been the secret of his success, the former Bala Town head coach said: "Good backroom staff; I've got a great team around me, also a brilliant chairman who I get on really well with and I think that's key to being successful and good players who buy into what you're trying to do."

Cefn Druids Alec Mudimu takes on the Llandudno defence

Griffiths stressed this season's endeavours have been very much a team effort, but did single out the impact of previous unknowns James Davies and Arek Piskorski, previously in the Huws Gray Alliance, and pivotal Zimbabwean midfielder Alec Mudimu as providing a surprise factor.

The manager added: "And then there's Neil Ashton, whose experience has been invaluable. For little old Cefn Druids to sign someone of his calibre has been nothing but remarkable."

Griffiths expects a tough battle against a Met side renowned for its flowing football and which qualified for the final with an impressive 4-1 thumping of Barry Town United.

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Met were beaten finalists against Bangor City last season, so will be determined to go one better.

Griffiths said: "I've been lucky enough to qualify for Europe with Cefn Druids in the Welsh Cup, but this would be by far the greatest achievement that I could achieve as a manager for being so consistent with what we've got, compared to resources of the other clubs.

"But this is a better Cardiff team this year than last year; we're going to have to be at our very best to get something from the game."